Scout arrow point hangers and systems

ABSTRACT

An arrow point hanger includes an elongated, flexible panel comprised of a woven material and having a front face extending between a first end and an opposing second end. A retention flap is connected to the first end of the panel. One or more arrow point badges are connected to the front face of the panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/508,611, filed Oct. 3, 2003, which is incorporated herein byspecific reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to arrow point hangers and rank holderswhich can be used with uniforms of the Cub Scout program.

2. The Relevant Technology

The Cub Scouts is a program for young boys ages 7-10 to help teach themcertain skills and traits. Members of the Cub Scouts advance through theranks of Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf and Bear. The ranks of Wolf and Bear areachieved by passing off specific requirements. A corresponding badge isreceived for each of the four ranks. The rank badges have traditionallybeen sewn onto the left breast pocket of the Scout uniform. An arrowpoint is a small badge that represents accomplishment of a specificnumber of elective requirements under a given rank. A Scout cantypically earn up to nine arrow points for each Wolf and Bear badge.Traditionally, arrow points are sewn onto the Scout uniform under therespective Wolf and Bear rank badges for which they are earned.

The person responsible for securing the arrow points on the uniform hasto spend time sewing them onto the uniform or expend money at a drycleaners to have the arrow points sewn on. Often, time constraintsprevent arrow points from being sewn on in a timely manner.

When the uniform gets dirty, which happens regularly when you aredealing with 7-10 year old boys, the shirt must be washed. This resultsin puckering of the badges and arrow points sewn on the uniform. This inturn requires extensive ironing to make the uniform look sharp and notsloppy.

When the uniform is passed on to another Scout, which often occurs, thearrow points must be removed and then sewn back on as they are earned.This is again a time consuming process.

Some of the above problems have been resolved through the creation of aplastic rank holder. The plastic rank holder was intended to hold theWolf, Bear and other rank badges that can be earned by the Scout. Theplastic rank holder hangs from the button on the left breast pocket ofthe uniform.

The plastic rank holder eliminates the need for sewing on the rankbadges. Furthermore, the plastic rank holder can be removed beforecleaning the uniform. Finally, when the uniform is passed on, the rankbadges can simply be removed from the plastic rank holder or the nextowner can purchase a new plastic rank holder.

The plastic rank holder, however, provides no solution for the arrowpoints earned for the Wolf or Bear rank badges. That is, the arrowsstill have to be sewn onto the shirt under the plastic rank holder. As aresult, all the above stated problems still apply with regard to thearrow points. In fact, the plastic rank holder creates additionalproblems.

For example, as mentioned above, the plastic rank holder hangs on thebutton of the left breast pocket of the uniform. As a result, the rankbadges hang down several inches below the left breast pocket where therank badges were traditionally sewn. As the arrow paints are still sewnon the shirt, the plastic rank holder tends to cover up the arrowpoints. Although the arrow points can be sewn several inches lower onthe shirt, since the young boys in Cub Scouts are typically rathershort, this sometimes results in the arrows being tucked into theirpants. This results in a sloppy rather than sharp look.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the plastic rank holder hangs on thebutton of the left breast pocket of the uniform. The arrow points, onthe other hand, are stationary as a result of being stitched onto theuniform. Since the plastic rank holder hangs, it moves from side toside. This results in the arrow points and the rank badges often beingmisaligned. Once again the uniform has a sloppy rather than sharpappearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed withreference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a elevated front view of a rank holder;

FIG. 2 is an elevated back view of the rank holder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevated front view of an arrow point hanger;

FIG. 4 is an elevated back view of the arrow point hanger shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of the arrow point hanger shown in FIG.3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective back view of the arrow point hanger shown inFIG. 3 being connected to the rank holder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of the assembled arrow point hangerand rank holder shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevated front view of an alternative embodiments of anarrow point hanger having a single flap attachment mechanism; and

FIG. 9 is an elevated front view of an alternative embodiments of anarrow point hanger having an integral retention flap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is one embodiment of a rank holder 10 used forholding rank badges. Rank holder 10 has a substantially diamond shapedbody 12 having a first side 14, a second side 15, a third side 16 and afourth side 17. A rounded head 20 projects from body 12 so as tointersect with sides 14 and 17. Rank holder 10 is typically comprised ofa front sheet 22 and an opposing back sheet 24 that are each comprisedof a flexible, transparent plastic material. Sheets 22 and 24 are seamedtogether around a perimeter edge 18 of rank holder 10. Furthermore, afirst seam line 26 and an intersecting second seam line 28 bond togethersheets 22 and 24 and have a substantially X-shaped configuration.Specifically, first seam line 26 extends centrally from first side 14 tothird side 16 while second seam line 28 extends centrally from secondside 15 to fourth side 17.

As a result of the perimeter seam and seam lines 26 and 28, front sheet22 and back sheet 24 of rank holder 10 bound four discrete, generallydiamond shaped pockets which include a first pocket 30, second pocket31, third pocket 32, and fourth pocket 33. As depicted in FIG. 2, slits36-39 are formed through back sheet 24 over pockets 30-33, respectively,so as to provide access to each of pockets 30-33. Specifically, theslits 36-39 are used to position rank badges within pockets 30-33. Forexample, a rank badge 42 is shown disposed within first pocket 30. Rankbadge 42 has a diamond shaped configuration and is typically comprisedof a woven fabric material. However, other materials can also be used.Similar shaped rank badges can also be positioned within the otherpockets 31-33. For examples, badges such as the Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf andBear as used by the Cub Scouts program can be positioned within pockets30-33.

In one embodiment of the present invention, means are provided forsecuring rank holder 10 to a shirt. By way of example and not bylimitation, a slit 44 is formed through rounded head 20 such that rankholder 10 can be selectively hung on a uniform by passing a breastpocket button through slit 44. In this regard slit 44 comprises a buttonhole. In alternative embodiments, means for connecting rank holder 10 toa shirt can comprise Velcro, safety pin, pocket clip, clasp, clamp,hook, button, pin, or the like that secures rank holder 10 to a shirtbutton, a shirt pocket, or to the body of the shirt.

It is appreciated that rank holder 10 can come in a variety of differentconfigurations and can be made from a variety of different materials.For example, rank holder 10 can be made from a single sheet of plastichaving discrete pockets stitched, seamed, glued or otherwise secured tothe back thereof. In yet other embodiments, rank holder 10 can be madefrom a single sheet of material such as cloth, plastic, leather, or anyother material, wherein the rank badges are secured on the front facethereof such as by Velcro, adhesive, stitching clasps, snaps, safetypins, clamps, or any other form of fastener. It is also appreciated thatrank holder 10 can be made from a single sheet of plastic that is foldedover and seamed or can be made from three of more sheets of plastic thatare seemed together. For example, back sheet 24 can be comprised of fourdiscrete sections wherein slits 36-39 are formed as a result of spacesbetween the sections. In still other embodiments, it is appreciated thatrank holder 10 can be made of two or more different materials, one ormore of which may or may not be transparent.

Depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 is one embodiment of an arrow point hanger 50which incorporates features of the present invention and can be used inassociation rank holder 10. Arrow point hanger 50 comprises an elongatedpanel 52 having a front face 54 and an opposing back face 56 that eachextend between a first end 58 an opposing second end 60. In oneembodiment, panel 52 is comprised of a flexible material such asGrosgrain ribbon. In alternative embodiments, panel 52 can beconstructed from other flexible materials such as vinyl, leather,various impregnated or laminated fibrous materials, fabrics, ribbon,plastic sheets, various plasticized materials, cardboard, paper,combinations of different materials and other similar materials. In oneembodiment panel 52 can be made of a material where for a length of twoinches, the material has substantially no compressive strength along itslongitudinal axis. In alternative embodiments, panel 52 can be made of astiffer material that has an axial compressive strength. For example,panel 52 can also be comprised of a substantially stiff or rigidmaterial.

Panel 52 can come in a variety of different lengths, widths andthicknesses. For example, in one embodiment panel 52 has a widthtypically in a range between about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, alength typically in a range between about 2 inches to about 7 inches,and a thickness less than about {fraction (1/8)} inch. Other dimensioncan also be used. As will be discussed below in greater detail,different panels 52 can be constructed in a variety of different lengthsto accommodate any number of arrow point badges.

Where panel 52 is formed from ribbon or other woven material that is cutto length, the cut edges can be coated with a conventional fray check.The fray check will stiffen the material and prevent the fabric fromfraying. While fray check in one method for preventing fraying, anymaterial or method that prevents fraying of the material can be used.For example, the material can be heat cut to seal the edges. In oneembodiment, second end 60 of panel 52 is folded back against back face52 and hemmed such as with an A-line stitch 62. Panel 52 can also behemmed by using glue or any other method that would make a clean, evenhem. Alternatively, panel 52 need not be hemmed.

In one embodiment of the present invention means are provided forremovably connecting arrow point hanger 50 to rank holder 10. By way ofexample and not by limitation, a retention flap 66 is mounted at firstend 58 of panel 52. Retention flap 66 comprises a strip of materialhaving a first end 68 and an opposing second end 70. Each end 68 and 70is trimmed into a substantially V-shaped configuration that tapers to apoint. Although not required, this configuration provides for a precisefit within the diamond shaped pockets 30-33 as discussed below.

Retention flap 66 is centrally secured between opposing ends 68 and 70to first end 58 of panel 52 so as to form a two-flap attachmentmechanism. That is, panel 52 and retention flap 66 combine to form asubstantially T-shaped configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, whereinretention flap 66 is free to flex and pivot relative to panel 52.Retention flap 66 and panel 52 can be secured together by stitching,seaming, adhesive, or the like. For example, in one embodiment retentionflap 66 and panel 52 are stacked flat in parallel alignment with firstend 58 of panel 52 being centrally disposed between opposing ends 68 and70 of retention flap 66. Retention flap 66 and panel 52 are then sewntogether by stitching through retention flap 66 and panel 52transversely along first end 58 of panel 52. As discussed below ingreater detail, this attachment configuration enables panel 52 tonaturally lay flush against the uniform and/or rank holder 10 when arrowpoint hanger 50 is attached to rank holder 10.

Retention flap 66 can be comprised of the same types of materials asdiscussed above with regard to panel 52. However, retention flap 12 andpanel 52 can be made of the same or different materials. In oneembodiment, retention flap 66 is comprised of a separate piece ofribbon, such as Grosgrain ribbon, having a width in a range betweenabout 0.5 inches to about of about 1.5 inches and a length in a rangebetween about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. Other dimensions can alsobe used. Retention flap 66 can be coated with fray check which willstiffen the material and prevent the fabric in retention flap 66 fromfraying.

As depicted in FIG. 6, to secure arrow point hanger 50 to rank holder10, opposing ends 68 and 70 of retention flap 66 are passed through slit36 and into first pocket 30. Retention flap 66 is laid flat within firstpocket 30 so that one face of retention flap 66 is disposed against theback side of rank badge 42 while the opposing side of retention flap 66is disposed against back sheet 24 of rank holder 10. Panel 52 extendsout through slit 36 and, as depicted in FIG. 7, projects below rankholder 10 in alignment with first pocket 30 and rank badge 42. Retentionflap 66 provides a secure but selectively removable connection betweenarrow point hanger 50 and rank holder 10 while ensuring that panel 52lays flush against the uniform and/or rank holder 10.

It is appreciated that there are a variety of other structures that canbe used for removably connecting arrow point hanger 50 to rank holder10. By way of example and not by limitation, retention flap 66 can havea variety of different sizes and configurations. For example, theopposing ends of retention flap 66 need not be tapered. In anotheralternative depicted in FIG. 8, in contrast to retention flap 66 forminga two-flap attachment mechanism, a retention flap 72 is mounted on panel52 that forms a single flap attachment mechanism. Specifically,retention flap 72 has a first end 74 and an opposing tapered second end76. First end 74 of retention flap 72 is secured to first end 58 ofpanel 52. In one embodiment, this attachment is achieved by stitching,seaming, adhesive or the like while retention flap 72 and panel 52 arestacked in flat parallel alignment. Again, this configuration helpspanel 52 to lay flush against the uniform during use. Retention flap 72is selectively received within one of pocket pockets 30-33 through acorresponding slit 36-39 so as to removably secure panel 52 to rankholder 10.

In yet another alternative embodiment the retention flap can beintegrally formed with panel 52. For example, depicted in FIG. 9 is anarrow point hanger 80 which includes panel 52 having opposing ends 58and 60. Integrally projecting from first end 58 is a retention flap 82that terminates at a tapered end 84. During use, retention flap 82 issimply folded back toward panel 52 and inserted within one of pockets30-33 of rank holder 10 through a corresponding slit 36-39, therebyremovably securing arrow point hanger 80 to rank holder 10. If desired,retention flap 82 can be ironed flat against panel 52 to assist in panel52 laying flush. It is also appreciated that integrally formed retentionflap 82 can be folded back in different configurations and stitched toform a double-flap or single-flap attachment mechanism.

In yet other embodiments, an arrow point hanger can be secured to rankholder 10 by use of a variety of other structures such as a button andbutton hole, Velcro, clasp, snap, pocket clip, safety pin, or any othertype of conventional fastener. Here it is noted that when using suchother fasteners, rank holder need not be formed having the structure asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 but can have the alternative designs asdiscussed above. In still yet other embodiments arrow point hanger 16can be fixed to the rank holder 50 by stitching, welding, melting,adhesive or the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention means are provided forremovably securing an arrow point badge to arrow point hanger 50. By wayof example and not by limitation, depicted in FIG. 7 are a plurality ofarrow point badges 100 secured to front face 54 of panel 52. Each arrowpoint badge 100 has a front face 102 and an opposing back face 104. Inone embodiment self-adhesive Velcro is used to secure arrow point badges100 to panel 52. As used in the specification and appended claims“Velcro” is generically referred to as comprising loop material and hookmaterial.

To facilitate attachment of arrow point badges 100, a self-adhesive sideof a patch 106 of a loop material or hook material is pressed againstback side 104 of arrow point badge 100, thereby securing patch 106 tobadge 100. A self-adhesive side of a patch 108 of the other of the loopmaterial or hook material is then pressed against front face 54 of panel52. Patches 106 and 108 can then be selectively secured together andpulled apart, as with conventional Velcro, so as to removably securearrow point badge 100 to arrow point hanger 50.

Using the above approach, it is appreciated that any number of arrowpoint badges 100 can be secured to front face 54 of panel 52 at anydesired orientation. For example, from one to nine or more arrow pointbadges 100 can be secured to arrow point hanger 50. Badges 100 can beselectively and securely positioned on hanger 50 as badges 100 areprogressively earned. Furthermore, as arrow point hanger 50 is passed toa new user, badges 100 can be easily removed. In alternative embodimentsit is appreciated that the patches of Velcro material can be secured tothe arrow point badges 100 using any conventional technique. Likewiseenlarged patches, such as strips, of Velcro material can be secured topanel 52 so that more than one arrow point badges 100 can be secured toa single patch. Likewise, panel 52 can be comprised of a Velcromaterial.

It is also appreciated that there are a variety of other methods thatcan be used to secure arrow point badges 100 to arrow point hanger 50.For example, snaps, pins, clasps, clips, hook and other conventionalfastening structures can be used to removably secure the badges 100 tohangers 50. It is appreciated that these fastening structures can bepre-attached to the badge 100 and/or hanger 50 prior to sale to an enduser. In other embodiments, it is appreciated that arrow point badges100 can be fixed to arrow point hanger 50 such as by stitching oradhesive, including thermal set adhesives which are applied by ironing.Here it is also appreciated that different arrow point hangers 50 can bemanufactured with each hanger 50 having a different number of badges 100secured thereto. The end user can thus simply replace hangers 50 as morebadges 100 are earned without the end user having to manually secure thebadge 100 to hanger 50.

It is appreciated that the various alternatives as discussed above canbe mixed and matched to form yet other alternative embodiments.Furthermore, each of the above discussed embodiments of the presentinvention provide unique benefits. Such benefits may differ between thedifferent embodiments. In general, some of the benefits achieved by someof the different designs include the ability to easily attach and removethe arrow point hanger from the rank holder and easily attach and removearrow point badges from the arrow point hanger. As a result, the arrowpoint badges can be quickly and timely added to a uniform for display orremoved for washing of the uniform or transferring to a new user.Furthermore, because the arrow point badges are connected to the rankholder as opposed to being sewn onto the uniform, the arrow point badgesare aligned with the rank badge while avoiding the problem of the arrowpoint badges being so low that they are obscured within the pants of theuser.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive.

1. An arrow point hanger comprising: an elongated, flexible panelcomprised of a woven material and having a front face extending betweena first end and an opposing second end; a retention flap attached to thefirst end of the panel; and means for removably securing an arrow pointbadge to the front face of the panel.
 2. An arrow point hanger asrecited in claim 1, wherein the panel has a width in a range between 0.5inches to about 2 inches and a length in a range between about 2 inchesto about 7 inches.
 3. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 1,wherein the retention flap has a first end and an opposing second end,the retention flap being attached to the first end of the panel at alocation between the first end and the second end of the retention flap.4. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 3, wherein the first endand the opposing second end of the retention flap are each taper.
 5. Anarrow point hanger as recited in claim 1, wherein the retention flap hasa first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the retentionflap being connected to the first end of the panel.
 6. An arrow point asrecited in claim 1, wherein the retention flap has a width that issmaller than a width of the panel.
 7. An arrow point hanger as recitedin claim 1, wherein the means for removably securing the arrow pointbadge to the front face of the panel comprises a patch of a loopmaterial or hook material connected to the front face of the panel. 8.An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 8, wherein the patch of theloop material or hook material is connected to the front face of thepanel by an adhesive.
 9. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 1,further comprising a plurality of arrow point badges secured to thefront face of the panel.
 10. A wearable award system comprising: a rankholder comprising: a substantially flat, diamond shaped body, the bodyhaving a plurality of pockets formed thereon, each pocket beingconfigured to receive a rank badge; and means for removably connectingthe body of the rank holder to a shirt; and a first arrow point hangerhaving a front face extending between a first end and an opposing secondend, the first end of the arrow point hanger being connected to the rankholder so as to project away from a first pocket selected from theplurality of pockets of the rank holder.
 11. A wearable award system asrecited in claim 10, wherein the means for removably connecting the bodyof the rank holder to a shirt comprises a head formed on the body of therank holder, a button hole being formed on the head.
 12. A wearableaward system as recited in claim 10, wherein the body is comprised ofone or more transparent plastic sheets.
 13. A wearable award system asrecited in claim 10, wherein the first arrow point hanger is removablyconnected to the rank holder.
 14. A wearable award system as recited inclaim 13, wherein a portion of the first arrow point hanger is disposedwithin the first pocket.
 15. A wearable award system as recited in claim10, wherein the first arrow point hanger is comprised of a flexible,woven material.
 16. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10,further comprising a first arrow point badge connected to the front faceof the first arrow point hanger.
 17. A wearable award system as recitedin claim 16, wherein the first arrow point badge is removably connectedto the front face of the first arrow point hanger by loop and hookmaterial.
 18. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10, furthercomprising a second arrow point hanger connected to the rank holder soas to project away from a second pocket selected from the plurality ofpockets of the rank holder, the second arrow point hanger being disposedin substantially parallel alignment with the first arrow point hanger.19. A method comprising the acts of: removably attaching a first arrowpoint hanger to a rank holder having a first rank badge removablymounted thereto, the first arrow point hanger being connected to therank holder so as to project below the rank badge; and connecting afirst arrow point badge to a front face of the first arrow point hanger.20. A method as recited in claim 19, wherein the act of connecting thefirst arrow point badge can be performed before or after the act ofattaching the first arrow point hanger.
 21. A method as recited in claim19, wherein the act of attaching the first arrow point hanger comprisesinserting a portion of the first arrow point hanger within a firstpocket of the rank holder, the first rank badge being disposed withinthe first pocket.
 22. A method as recited in claim 19, furthercomprising attaching a second arrow point hanger to the rank holder, thesecond arrow point hanger being disposed in substantially parallelalignment with the first arrow point hanger.
 23. A method as recited inclaim 19, further comprising removably securing the rank holder to ashirt of a user.